The day was young and so was he. Vendrick wanted to be outside, the mid-morning sun filtering through the windows with glaring intensity. Though it was winter in Auster, it seemed like a decently warm day. If it was going to be warm, he wanted to be out. Outside, exploring, learning the castle grounds and learning just how far he could push the boundaries of the castle grounds. He wants to explore. More than anything, Vendrick wants to explore. Getting out and getting going-- it was time for that. It was more than time! The rules had been made clear, he needed to find someone who'd go outside with him. Parents, older siblings, any other adult he could attach himself to. With his amber eyes glimmering in each of the sun-puddles he passed, the boy was on the hunt for literally anyone. Pouncing from sunspot to sunspot as he walked the corridors, the boy was certain that he'd find someone eventually.

His siblings were free. and Kea was very excited to snag one the first chance he got and show them the ropes. He was actively on the lookout for his tiny siblings when he saw the little dust-toned wolf jumping across the sunlight.

He quickened his pace, trotting across the stone as he reached his little brother. He was trying to be quiet, but he wasn’t sure how well he was succeeding. His sword was strapped across his shoulder - Windrunner - but the beautiful sheath was tightly fastened, and the metal made no sound.

When he reached the young boy he reached down and tapped his paw to the other’s shoulder. “You're it!” He cried, already racing forward.

"Ciaran Carpathius"

Freedom! Sweet, sweet freedom, Vendrick could feel it taking him over. He was probably a bit too excited to have a bit more freedom, but that's okay! He was an enthusiastic creature, young and filled with all sorts of hope and light. The sooty boy was more than happy to romp and trounce and pounce on the sun-puddles, so wrapped up in it that he hadn't even heard his older brother approach. A tap! "Aaa!" He shouts, but it's gleeful. You're it! Kea's voice echoing against the stone of the hall. Vendrick's head whipped around, his gaze glimmering. His brother was already racing forward on legs far longer than his. That wouldn't deter Ven, and he bounced after his brother with joyful, choppy steps. "How did you do that? I didn't even hear you!" He's giggling through the words, eyes bright as he chases after the larger boy. I've got you!" He gathered himself and pounced with the most force he could possibly generate... landing in a heap on the stone, whether he'd managed to land his tag or not. Bouncing back to his feet, Vendrick found the question still burning in his head. "Kea, how do I get as sneaky as you?"

Kea made sure he was only just ahead of the younger boy. It wouldn’t be very fun if he tore off through the castle and was out of sight and reach before Vendrick could even blink. Instead, he wiggled his tail, glancing over his shoulder as he grinned at the dusty wolf. “It’s a secret!” He said, which really wasn’t true. It was practice, but maybe that was the secret.

When Vendrick leaped forward and pounced him, Kea flicked his tail back and forth, wondering if… and yes! His brother landed on his tail, and Kea went down. Pretending the tiny weight of his sibling was enough to halt him in his tracks. He hit the rock hard, but he knew how to land and didn’t even think it would bruise. He put his head on his paw and looked over at Vendrick. “Do you want me to teach you?”


"Ciaran Carpathius"

A secret? Brothers shouldn't keep secrets, that didn't sound very fair. Not to Ven, at least. The boy gave a bit of a huff as his brother countered his question. He was doing his best to chase after Kea, but his legs! They were so short! And his brother was so tall! A grumble in his chest, but he wouldn't give up. No, not yet. What Ven didn't know-- Ciaran was being a good sport, humoring the pup, moderating his pace. It let Vendrick think he was so fast and so close. He'd gotten him! Vendrick is pleased as he pounces on the boy's tail, watching him go flat before him. He giggles happily, moving over to excitedly wiggle and look at his older brother's face. Really, his tail was wagging so hard that all of his little body was wiggling. Ven moves to sniff at his brother's shoulder, prodding a bit, making sure he was okay. Making sure he was in one piece. "You'd tell me the secret?" His eyes going wide, glimmering softly. They could be a secret club. The sneakiest boys club.

He eyed the paw that pushed against his shoulder. He watched it carefully, waiting until it was prodding into him again, and then leapt forward with a burst of speed. Grabbing Vendrick in two paws, and rolling with the boy in his arms, until the pup is on top of him. He grinned, hoping he had taken Vendrick by surprise.

His own maw was stretched into a grin. He thought he was coming to enjoy this whole ‘older brother’ thing rather a lot. He wondered what it would be like when the little mites had grown up? “I will tell you. But you have to go on an adventure with me to learn it” he told the boy solemnly.


"Ciaran Carpathius"

Dodging and rolling and giggling with his brother-- it was excellent. Really, Vendrick was having the best time. His giggles were noisy, hearty things, that seemed to echo off all the stone surfaces around them. He was so pleased, so happy with all of it. Brilliant. All of it was brilliant. Vendrick, too, is brilliant when he feels like this. The boy is happy, the boy's heart is full. They are simply having the best time. A secretive grin passed between the two boys. Ciaran would tell him, but Ven had to go with him on an adventure! Excitedly, though trying not to look too excited and ruin the mood, the boy nodded. His tail wagged, and he did his best to arrange the same sort of solemn expression. Mirroring his brother, nearly holding his breath as they decided that it would be an adventure indeed. "Of course, let's go on an adventure!" Distilled excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. There was absolutely nothing better.